Daily Schmankerl: Why Eric Dier is leaving Bayern Munich for AS Monaco; FC Barcelona identified Robert Lewandowski successor; Bayern out on Xavi Simons; Chelsea wants Kenan Yıldız; PSG eyeing Christopher Nkunku; and MORE!

Bayern Munich will lose a valuable defender after the season…

Why talks with Dier fell through (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk via @iMiaSanMia)

When the news broke that Eric Dier was going to leave Bayern Munich in favor of AS Monaco after the season, fans wondered how talks might have fallen apart after it had looked like the Englishman would get at least one more season in Bavaria.

Per Sport Bild’s Christian Falk, Bayern Munich would have liked to keep Dier on a one-year contract, but AS Monaco’s offer was simply better:

Bayern made an offer of a new contract for Eric Dier, but the Englishman decided on Monaco. He would have only received a year-long contract extension (until 2026) in Munich. The offer from Monaco is until 2027 (+1). Dier also expects more playing time with Adi Hütter’s side. That said, he regrets the fact that he will have to leave behind his friend Harry Kane.

German outlet kicker journalist Mario Krischel backed up Falk’s reporting (via @iMiaSanMia):

Monaco offered Eric Dier a longer contract than Bayern (at least two years), a higher salary and the prospect of more playing time, that’s why he decided to leave.

Dier has been an extremely valuable player for Bayern Munich and was the crown jewel of Christoph Freund’s one transfer window of being in charge (January 2024). Dier is replaceable on the roster, but his combination of performance, leadership, and being a good locker room guy will be tough voids to fill.

The Bavarians could look for an established player to complement its center-back group for next season (Dayot Upamecano, Kim Min-jae, and maybe Josip Stanišić) or rely on a youngster like oft-injured Tarek Buchmann.

Decisions…decisions…

Barca eyeing Álvarez as Lewy successor? (ESPN)

FC Barcelona could be looking at Atlético Madrid attacker Julián Álvarez as its eventual successor to former Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski:

Julián Álvarez could become a pawn in Barcelona’s next presidential elections, Marca reports, as a potential big-name signing and successor to Robert Lewandowski. Alvarez, 25, has starred in LaLiga since joining Atlético Madrid from Manchester City last summer, with 27 goals in all competitions. Now, according to Marca, the Argentina international’s name has come up as a possible card for candidates to play in Barça’s 2026 elections, although it’s not yet clear who will challenge incumbent Joan Laporta, and Atlético would be reluctant to part with their star forward.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show: RB Leipzig vs. Bayern Munich (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich will travel to East Germany to face off with a very desperate RB Leipzig, who is clawing to its hopes for European football next season.

Meanwhile, the Bavarians are seeking to clinch a league title in the house that energy drinks built (figuratively, of course).

Let’s take a look at what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Preview Show:

• A look at where each team is in the table and also a look back at the first match.
• A look at the injury and suspension situations for both teams.
• Why Bayern Munich fans should watch this game — get a closer look at Benjamin Šeško and Xavi Simons.
• A guess at Bayern Munich’s starting XI.
• A prediction on the match.

Bayern probably won’t pursue Simons (Sport Bild’s Christian Falk via @iMiaSanMia)

After being linked to RB Leipzig attacker Xavi Simons for almost two years, Bayern Munich might have lost its desire to have the 22-year-old Dutchman on the roster:

Last summer, Max Eberl and Vincent Kompany had concrete talks with Xavi Simons. He will be on the market this summer, but Bayern are not in a position where they want to make a bid for him. Simons is no longer part of the plan.

Simons has not exactly dominated this season, but it has been a solid campaign for him. Simons has 10 goals and six assists in 30 games across all competitions so far this season, but RB Leipzig has had a very disappointing campaign as a squad overall.

PSG to battle for Nkunku? (PSG Talk)

Bayern Munich has been linked to Chelsea FC attacker Christopher Nkunku, but Paris Saint-Germain could also throw its hat into the ring:

Paris Saint-Germain gave serious consideration to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately decided against making a move. While he stayed at Chelsea, there’s growing speculation that he could be on the move this summer.

Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and stiff competition have kept him from securing a regular place in the starting XI, casting doubt over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Journalist Ben Jacobs previously reported that PSG looked into the possibility of bringing Nkunku back, although they never submitted a formal offer. Reports suggest Nkunku is open to leaving Stamford Bridge, but his potential move hinges on some help from Chelsea’s London rivals, Tottenham.

Bavarian Podcast Works — The Bundesliga Rundown with Marcus Iredahl: Matchday 31 (Bavarian Podcast Works)

The Bundesliga is winding down and Matchday 31 left us reeling a bit with the insanity that occurred.

Let’s take a look everything that happened in the league from what was a wild day:

• Checking out the Bundesliga table and the results from the weekend.
• A dive into a couple of wild results — Holstein Kiel’s 4-3 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim.
• Xabi Alonso looks like he is headed to Real Madrid. Is he ready for what lies ahead? Did Bayern Munich miss the boat…or maybe dodge a bullet?

Andrich out at Leverkusen? (@Plettigoal)

Germany international Robert Andrich could be on his way out of Bayer Leverkusen:

⚫️ Bayer Leverkusen’s Robert #Andrich is considering a departure in the summer.

The 30-y/o is dissatisfied with his playing time. Talks between the club and the player’s representatives are scheduled to take place after the end of the season.

Much will depend on the coaching position – in particular, if Xabi Alonso stays, Andrich would seek a transfer.

Dier, Olise recognized for effort (@WhoScored)

It was not only the Bundesliga-specific awards for Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and Eric Dier this week, the duo earned a place on WhoScored.com’s Europe’s Top 5 Leagues Team of the Week as well:

Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show: Season 7, Episode 40 (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich took down Mainz 05 this weekend with a superior effort.

That did not exactly shakeup the Bundesliga landscape, but there is a lot of movement and we will dive headfirst into that. In addition, we’ve got some contract news to talk about and maybe even a little talk about Hansi Flick as well. Let’s not wait any longer, this is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works Show:

• Final thoughts on Bayern Munich 3-0 win over Mainz 05.
• A breakdown of the Bundesliga hunt for Europe and the relegation battle.
• Is bringing back Leroy Sané the right move or does Bayern Munich need to shake things up?
• Hansi Flick is killing it at FC Barcelona.
• Did signing Tom Bischof undermine the work being done at Bayern Munich’s Academy?

Bayern battling with BVB, Stuttgart for striker? (Bild via @iMiaSanMia)

Bayern Munich has been linked to Genk striker Tolu Arokodare, but will have to fend off Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart:

Bayern are closely monitoring Genk striker Tolu Arokodare. Dortmund and Stuttgart also have the Nigerian player on their list. The Belgian side is willing to sell for around €25m.

Chelsea chasing Yıldız (ESPN)

Former Bayern Munich winger/attacking midfielder Kenan Yıldız is firmly on Chelsea FC’s radar. Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City and Manchester United are also interested:

Chelsea are stepping up their effort to sign Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, CaughtOffside reports. The 19-year-old Turkey international has scored six goals and registered two assists in Serie A this season, but his potential and versatility mean Juve do not want to let him go and would push for a transfer fee of up to €100 million. Their hand may be forced, however, if they do not qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United also have Yildiz on their radar.

Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: Bayern Munich 3-0 Mainz (Bavarian Football Works)

Bayern Munich came away with a strong performance in a 3-0 win over Mainz which takes them a step closer to the Bundesliga title. Bayern maintained an eight point gap at the top as Bayer Leverkusen won 2-0 on the day against Augsburg. The Bundesliga title race seems all but mathematically decided. In this episode, Swaz and Samrin covered the following:

• The lineups of both sides and what they looked like on the pitch
• Some thoughts about Michael Olise and Leroy Sané
• Some praise for Josip Stanišić and Konrad Laimer
• Can Bayern seal the deal against RB Leipzig next week?
• Will the top brass be satisfied with Vincent Kompany after this season?
• Might Thomas Müller ever start a game for Bayern Munich again?
• Who will take third and fourth place? Who will get relegated and who will play in the relegation playoff?

BuLi TV revenue figures revealed (Bild via @iMiaSanMia)

The revenue distribution for the Bundesliga was compiled by Sport Bild:

Bayern CEO touts Moose renewal (@MichelSchroeer via @iMiaSanMia)

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen recently spoke about the club’s contract extension with star attacker Jamal Musiala.

“I’m delighted with that. Jamal joined us in the U17s and has now played almost 200 competitive games for our first team – it was a big day for FC Bayern. The best thing about this extension is that Jamal is still so young and has a fantastic career ahead of him. He’s already a great player and we are all curious to see what’s still in store for us,” Dreesen said.

This post was originally published on this site